Jude Bellingham threaded a perfect pass through three defenders, Harry Kane fired it home, and just 12 minutes later, England was already 2-0 up against Croatia in Rijeka. By the final whistle, the scoreboard read 6-0 — a thunderous statement from the Three Lions ahead of Euro 2024. This wasn’t just a win; it was a masterclass in attacking football, powered by players hitting peak form at exactly the right time.
Warm-up matches are often treated as tune-ups, but this one carried weight. Croatia, a team that reached the last two World Cup finals, barely got a foothold. England’s high press, crisp passing, and fearless young talent turned the game into a showcase. And at the heart of it all was Jude Bellingham, who didn’t just play well — he dominated.
Bellingham, the 20-year-old Real Madrid midfielder, was named man of the match after scoring one goal, assisting two others, and threading the needle with a visionary pass for Kane’s opener. But he wasn’t alone. Bukayo Saka scored twice, showing the sharp instincts of a born finisher, while Anthony Gordon found the net for the fourth consecutive game, proving his club form with Newcastle has translated to the international stage. Captain Harry Kane, never one to be outdone, added two of his own — including a coolly taken fifth goal that sealed Croatia’s fate.
Even the newcomers shone. Jarell Quansah, just 21 and playing at right-back, delivered a composed, confident performance and provided a pinpoint assist for Gordon. Bournemouth’s Alex Scott earned his first England start and didn’t look out of place, circulating the ball with maturity beyond his caps. Elliot Anderson, another young midfielder, set up Kane’s fifth with a smart through ball, continuing a breakout international break.
The 6-0 scoreline is the biggest ever win for England over Croatia, a symbolic shift in momentum ahead of the Euros. More than the goals, it was the cohesion, energy, and depth on display that impressed — signs that this squad may finally be peaking together. With Tuchel’s tactical clarity and a blend of youth and experience firing on all cylinders, England isn’t just hoping for glory. They’re starting to look like contenders.
As the team boards the plane back from Rijeka, the message is clear: this generation isn’t waiting for its moment. It’s already here.